'October Sky' with Michael Duncan
Better Learning Podcast
Can one teacher change the course of a student’s life? Can curiosity survive in a system that prioritizes conformity? October Sky is more than just a heartwarming story about a boy and his rockets—it’s a powerful look at the impact of education, ambition, and the struggle between dreams and expectations. But how accurately does it reflect today’s schools? Are students still discouraged from pursuing unconventional paths? Do educators still have the power to ignite change? In this review, we’ll break down what October Sky gets right (and where it misses the mark) when it comes to the...
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'Radio' with Meredith Watassek
Better Learning Podcast
Radio is a powerful example of why being different doesn’t mean being wrong—and how society often struggles with that distinction. Based on a true story, the film follows the relationship between high school football coach Harold Jones (played by Ed Harris) and a young man with an intellectual disability, James Robert “Radio” Kennedy (played by Cuba Gooding Jr.). Initially an outcast in the community, Radio is taken under Coach Jones’s wing, gradually becoming a beloved figure at the school. The film ultimately teaches that just because someone doesn’t fit traditional expectations...
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'Ted Lasso' with Heidie Ciesielski
Better Learning Podcast
The hit series Ted Lasso isn’t just about soccer—it’s about leadership, culture, and the power of belief. On a special episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we sat down with Superintendent Heidie Ciesielski to break down the show’s biggest lessons and how they apply to education today. From Ted’s optimism to his ability to build a strong, student-centered culture, we explored how school leaders can create environments where students and educators thrive. The series highlights the importance of trust, resilience, and the impact of mentorship—qualities that define great school...
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'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' with Trevor Muir
Better Learning Podcast
Trevor Muir, an inspiring keynote speaker who celebrated the power of storytelling in education and an avid Harry Potter fan, sits down with host Kevin Stoller and co-host Carla Cummins to dive into the real-world connections between education and the beloved book series. They explore the different teaching styles depicted in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the importance of building strong relationships with students, and how elements of the wizarding world can inform and inspire today’s learning environments. At last year’s LearningSCAPES conference, we had the pleasure of...
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'The Breakfast Club' with Dr. Michael Cardona
Better Learning Podcast
In this episode, Kevin Stoller and Carla Cummins as co-host, welcome Dr. Michael Cardona, superintendent at San Marcos School District in Texas. Today's movie is 'The Breakfast Club,' a classic movie from the 80s that dives into the cliques in high school. As always, they give out various awards, including a new category, "Where Are They Now?", which discusses where the characters would be in their lives. They also share personal anecdotes from their own educational experiences and discuss current challenges and innovations in their respective educational roles. Takeaways: Parents have...
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The Hidden Challenges of Building New School Facilities
Better Learning Podcast
In this episode, Kevin Stoller chats with Dr. Aspasia Angelou, a superintendent in Arizona. She highlights her role as a superintendent and the various initiatives she is leading in her school district. Dr. Angelou shares her background, growing up with Greek immigrant parents, and discusses how her early experiences shaped her drive to pursue education. She talks about her journey navigating educational challenges with limited family support. She also elaborates on the unique challenges of leading a unified school district without a high school and the legislative and logistical hurdles she...
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'Freedom Writers' with Dr. Parul Minhas
Better Learning Podcast
In this episode, Kevin is joined by Dr. Parul Minhas. They discuss the movie "Freedom Writers", and dive into many facets of the movie, and discuss some award categories such as "Modern Remake" and "Class Clown". They discuss the significance of teacher-student connection, classroom environment, and transformative educational practices. Drawing parallels from Dr. Minhas' experiences, they highlight the importance of empathy, breaking down racial barriers, and innovative teaching approaches that resonate with every child's unique background. About Dr. Parul Minhas: Parul Minhas, Ph.D....
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How 2024 Redefined Better Learning with Carla Cummins
Better Learning Podcast
As we close out 2024, it’s time to reflect on an incredible year of growth, innovation, and connection for the Better Learning Podcast. This year, we’ve continued to explore new ideas, challenge conventional thinking, and amplify voices that are driving meaningful change in education. As we gear up for the new year, our commitment to pushing boundaries and creating impactful content remains stronger than ever. Stay tuned for exciting series, collaborations, and events designed to inspire and empower our community of listeners. Thank you for being a part of our journey this year. Here’s...
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School Leadership Strategies for Uniting Communities
Better Learning Podcast
In today's polarized society, the role of education leaders has never been more critical. As the landscape of communities becomes increasingly divided, the challenge of fostering unity within schools and districts grows more complex. Education leaders are not just administrators; they are role models, guiding students, staff, and families toward a shared vision of collaboration and respect. Schools are microcosms of society, reflecting the diversity and challenges of the larger world. Education leaders play a pivotal role in creating environments where students feel valued, staff feel...
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'Friday Night Lights' with Dr. Scott Muri
Better Learning Podcast
What makes Friday Night Lights more than just a football movie? In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we explore how this iconic film captures the heart and soul of high school football in West Texas, delving into the emotional struggles, community pressures, and personal triumphs of the Permian Panthers. They discuss the reality of the high school sports culture portrayed in the movie and how it compares to today's context in Odessa, Texas. They discuss various categories for the movie, such as "Modern Remake", "Realistic and Unrealistic", and "The John Keating Character". ...
info_outlineCan one teacher change the course of a student’s life? Can curiosity survive in a system that prioritizes conformity?
October Sky is more than just a heartwarming story about a boy and his rockets—it’s a powerful look at the impact of education, ambition, and the struggle between dreams and expectations. But how accurately does it reflect today’s schools?
Are students still discouraged from pursuing unconventional paths? Do educators still have the power to ignite change? In this review, we’ll break down what October Sky gets right (and where it misses the mark) when it comes to the modern classroom.
Takeaways:
- Curiosity and inquiry are still not be nurtured in schools
- Project based learning allows students to be self directed and follow their passions
- Dreaming doesn't get you where you want to be- action is required
- Just don't quit! - Advice from Michael
- Having a network helps when you get stuck
About Michael Duncan:
An award-winning superintendent and longtime champion of education transformation, Dr. Mike Duncan is the President and CEO of Battelle for Kids.
Mike was one of the longest-serving superintendents in the state of Georgia, leading Pike County Schools for 18 years from 2005 until his retirement in 2023. He worked diligently to reimagine educational opportunities and implement enduring transformation for all students in Pike County. He spearheaded the creation of their Portrait of a Graduate and worked to achieve the district’s mission of developing creative problem solvers.
Mike was honored as the Georgia Superintendent of the Year in 2021. Under Mike’s leadership, Pike County Schools was actively engaged in EdLeader21, the national network of Battelle for Kids, for more than a decade during his superintendency. Mike is also the co-founder and co-designer of the Georgia Deeper Learning Network for Workforce Readiness and Economic Prosperity. An educator at heart, Mike has served as a high school principal and a middle school teacher and principal. He holds a doctorate in educational leadership and a master’s degree from the University of Georgia, along with a bachelor’s degree from Georgia Southern University.
Learn More About Battelle for Kids:
Website: https://www.battelleforkids.org/
Connect with Michael Duncan:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-duncan-edd/
Connect with co-host, Carla Cummins:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-cummins-01449659/
Connect with host, Kevin Stoller:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/
Episode 220 of the Better Learning Podcast
Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.
For more information on our partners:
Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/
Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/
Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/
EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/
Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/
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